Chapter 109

It wasn't just Chase who was shocked; I nearly jumped out of my skin. Turning, I saw Nicole standing in the doorway. I had no idea how long she'd been there. The dim hallway, shrouded in shadow by the overcast sky, made her smile seem chilling rather than comforting.

My own ghost act suddenly seemed pathetic. Nicole was far more terrifying in person. Beads of sweat trickled down Chase's forehead; his panic was evident.

"Why's there a door in your room? What are you hiding?" he demanded.

Nicole sauntered closer, a sly grin playing on her lips. Her movements were graceful, yet unsettling. Her smile, unlike most, hinted at something sinister. "Everyone has secrets, Chase. Why the sudden interest in mine?"

She stopped before him, gently tracing his chest. Chase grabbed her wrist, his expression icy. "Is Amanda's disappearance your doing?"

Nicole frowned. "Chase, you're hurting me."

"Cut the act. You called, saying your life was in danger, then Amanda disappeared. You've blocked our search ever since. Nicole, did you hide Amanda?"

"Chase, do you really think I'm that awful?" Tears welled in her eyes, but Chase wasn't fooled. "Tell me, is Amanda in there?"

Chase's doubt was shared by everyone, including Derek. They all suspected Nicole had hidden me, but murder? Without my omniscient perspective, I never would have guessed someone so charming could be so devious. "Chase," she pleaded, "even if Amanda doesn't like me, we're still family. Why would I do something so terrible?"

"If it's not you, then open it and show me."

"I can't. It's got my secrets in there."

Her evasiveness only fueled Chase's suspicion, but I sensed it wasn't that simple. Nicole had cameras in her room—clear evidence of her cunning. She wouldn't risk hiding anything about me in the Reyes household.

Chase, convinced I was inside, pressed her. "Open it, now. I'm done talking."

Nicole sighed. "Alright, Chase. If you insist, but you'll need the code."

"What is it?" Chase snapped, frustrated.

Without hesitation, Nicole guided his fingers to input a series of numbers on the keypad. Chase's eyes widened in shock—the code was his own birthday.

"Beep—"

Nicole nudged him. "Go on, Chase."

Chase, likely as nervous and excited as I was, opened the door. Though I expected no news of myself, I was curious about her hidden secrets.

As the door swung open, the contents slowly came into view. I was utterly stunned.